Should there be a test for each rank?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 15:57:24 -0500

Should there be a test to remain the rank you are? Should you be able to test up a rank? If you fail your test for the rank you are, should you be demoted? It seems pretty stupid the only way to advance is to have TIG and TIA. The real world recognizes if you are qualified, you move up. How is it that the Army can't see it?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 6:51 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:51:33 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, the Army used to have MOS tests, not exclusively for promotion, but they played a part. And the Air Force still does test for certain promotions (enlisted, I think). Since I spent 30 years getting promoted and watching other get promoted the "Army way," I don't especially like the idea of tests. I like the way the Army does it now.

There's probably room for improvement on both sides of this debate. Just using a test is kind of a false measure of a person. Maybe a hybrid approach would work best -- require TIG and TIS, but count a test as one part of the overall promotion score, part of the whole person concept. I could see that working for the Army. The thing is, they tried it once before and decided to do away with it.

Response by Sgt Theodore Paizis made Nov 15 at 2014 7:22 PM

Sgt Theodore Paizis — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:22:10 -0500

In the While I was in the Marine Corps, I was meritoriously promoted three times. I was almost E-6 after 5 years. Your rank should not be determined by test scores. There is a lot more to being a higher ranking official in our armed forces such as, leadership ability, decision making ability, overall responsibility, and competence.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 7:38 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:38:26 -0500

I believe it would be good for NCO's; even the promotion from E4 to E5, but below that it is unnecessary as the majority are still learning and getting used to things.
In my unit I have seen many E4's be promoted into an E5 slot that aren't ready for that next step; whether it be lack of leadership, knowledge or even self discipline. I don't think TIG and TIS should be the determining key.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 8:51 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 20:51:49 -0500

No because some peoples jobs are too broad and you aren't always working in the MOS you were trained in.